That headline is mostly useful advice wrapped in clickbait. There are genuinely some items you shouldn’t put in a dishwasher because heat, water pressure, and detergent can damage them.
Here are 8 common things to avoid putting in a dishwasher, and why:
1. Wooden items (cutting boards, spoons)
Wooden cutting board
- Can crack, warp, or split due to heat and moisture.
2. Nonstick cookware
Nonstick pan
- Dishwasher detergent can wear down the nonstick coating over time.
3. Cast iron pans
Cast iron skillet
- Will rust and lose seasoning if exposed to prolonged water.
4. Crystal glassware
Crystal glass
- Can become cloudy or etched by strong detergent and heat.
5. Insulated travel mugs
Insulated travel mug
- Heat can break vacuum seals and reduce insulation performance.
6. Sharp knives
Kitchen knife
- Dulls the blade faster and can damage handles; also a safety risk.
7. Aluminum cookware
Aluminum pot
- Can discolor or react with detergent, causing dull or darkened surfaces.
8. Delicate plastics
Plastic food container
- May warp if not labeled dishwasher-safe.
Bottom line
Dishwashers are great, but not everything is built to handle:
- High heat
- Strong detergent
- Water pressure
So the headline is not wrong, just exaggerated in presentation. The real message is: check material labels before washing.
